Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, David Lloyd, has welcomed the latest report on the handling of rape cases in the county.

The report has been published by Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary (HMIC), on behalf of the Rape Monitoring Group, and similar reports are being issued for all forces in England and Wales.*

The report shows an increase in rapes being recorded in Herts – 127 in 2009/10 up to 160 in 2013/14 – an increase which is in line with a national pattern which the report attributes in part to national high-profile sexual abuse cases.

The number of cases referred to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) by the police has also increased – up from 48 in 2009/10 to 65 in 2013/14. The number of charges for rape has also increased from 20 in 2009/10 to 50 in 2013/14.

Commissioner Lloyd said: “This is an encouraging report, particularly as it shows an increase in the number of offenders being charged with rape and an increase in convictions.

“It is vitally important that people have the confidence to come forward to report such awful crimes, knowing that the police will work effectively to investigate and support them.”

He added: “I would like to see the number of convictions increase further and I will be overseeing the Constabulary’s work in this area and encouraging partners in the process – such as the CPS – to look at further improvements.”

Sexual offences are devastating for the victims and Hertfordshire Constabulary takes them very seriously. The Force always encourages people to come forward and report sexual offences against them. Every report is fully investigated and full support is offered to all victims. The Constabulary takes a robust stance on dealing with these crimes and has conducted two pro-active publicity campaigns recently to raise public awareness of sexual offences.